Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has extended congratulations to the new Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the Honourable Allen Chastanet who was sworn into office last Tuesday.

In a letter dated June 10, Premier Smith on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, congratulated the new Prime Minister and the members of his United Workers Party on their overwhelming victory at the polls on Monday, June 6.

Premier Smith also congratulated Honourable Chastanet on the historic achievement, being only the sixth Prime Minister to hold the office. The Premier wrote, “With this mandate, the citizens of St.  Lucia have placed high confidence in you, and have embraced the UWP’s vision for the renewal of the economic and social promise of your beloved country.”

The Premier recognised the close ties between the people of St.  Lucia and the Virgin Islands, and stated, “The people of the Virgin Islands and St. Lucia have long shared deep bonds of friendship, goodwill, commercial and familial ties, which will continue to grow.”

Premier Smith also extended warm wishes to the new Prime Minister for a successful term, and expressed his Government’s support and willingness to collaborate as St. Lucia begins this new chapter in its political life as a nation.